Hosting New Years!

From finger foods to signature cocktails, festive playlists and a champagne toast at midnight, New Years Eve is full of festivity.

For those of you that are hosting this year, major props go out to you! There is a menu to plan, outfit to adorn, champagne to select, food to make and guests to greet. This is all perfectly manageable and I am here to give you a few pointers for a perfect celebration leading you straight through the New Year!

Menu: For New Years Eve, I always recommend heavy h’ordeurves. People are excited and mingling, let that continue without a formal place-setting. When it comes to appetizers, think finger foods that can easily be enjoyed with a champagne flute in one hand and food in the other. From mini quiche to smoked salmon on toast points, your options are limitless. Just remember to spread out your food stations to encourage people to mix and mingle and not huddle in one area. Make your guests work for their food by encouraging them to work the room.

Drinks: Champagne, of course, should be plentiful come midnight, but also during the party. Having a signature cocktail is a great idea if it can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require a special recipe per cocktail or locating the host to make it for them. If you have a large enough gathering, hiring a bartender might be a good idea! One idea, is making a big pot of Glog which is red wine, apple cider, vodka and nulling spices. This way, you can fill a large carafe and let guests help themselves. Allow yourself the opportunity to also enjoy the party by not getting stuck by the bar! Plus, no one will expect that! Also, make sure you have coffee and non-alcoholic drinks for those that are driving. Sparkling apple cider is a great option.

Music: Think upbeat, fun and lively. Let the music help you set the mood!

Decorations: Keep your holiday decorations up but don’t feel the need to add more. Less is best sometimes!

Attire: Tell your guests the attire for the evening. I always think formal attire is fun as it makes the celebration that much more special. Plus, all of your photos will look that much better!

Activity: As guests arrive, ask them each to write down a quick New Years resolution and to seal it in an envelope with their name on it. Give them strict instructions to not open the envelope until next year. This way, guests go home with a memory from the party and something to stay focused on throughout the rest of the year.

However you decide to ring in the New Year, I hope that you find time to gather your friends and family around the table together!

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!